Help Us Build A Legacy

The time to build a Black arts centre was yesterday, the next best time is now.

A Canadian First

With your help, our facility will become the first professional, multi-disciplinary centre for Afro-diasporic art in Canada.

It’s always been our mission to address the lack of safe spaces for the Black-Canadian community. In 2015, we secured a space at 524 Oakwood Ave to create the largest, and first facility for professional Black art in Canada. Located in the heart of a historically Caribbean neighbourhood, we look forward to bringing our entire community together to experience art rooted in Black traditions.

From drumming to digital art installation, theatre production, and movie screenings—our space will open the doors for Torontonians to understand how our history and culture are shaped by the Afro-diaspora. While fostering the growth of local Black artists, together we’ll build a more inclusive, culturally aware society.

We Need Your Help

It’s important to not only celebrate Black artists but also invest in their futures. Every dollar counts as we tackle this ambitious goal. Help us share our goal with your friends and family, so that we can build a legacy for the community—together.

Donate Today!

Why Now

Real Estate

Rising costs of real estate have made arts spaces inaccessible.

Space

Black artists & community organizations are traditionally pushed out of spaces as our cultural art forms are seen as less than mainstream.

Disapora

Toronto is home to Canada’s largest Black community, but we don’t have a space to gather.

Through Nia Centre, I have participated in several group shows, sold artwork, spoke on a panel and facilitated a painting workshop. I truly believe the Centre has been a major stepping stone that has further propelled me into my purpose this year. The future is bright for Nia Centre and those who cross its path.
Shantel Miller on Black Art Space

What We’re Building

Once completed, our renovated space at 524 Oakwood Avenue will be fully accessible and feature:

A 150-seat multi-purpose performance space
A digital media studio
A recording studio
An artist studio
Youth space
Event space
Board room and co-working spaces
Gallery space

These studios and spaces will allow artists to create, perform and exhibit work in music, dance, photography, digital media, visual art, film and theatre.

Donate Your Car

When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to Nia Centre for the Arts through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy. After your vehicle donation is complete, they will send you a tax receipt and we will put your gift to good use.

Learn More

Our Impact

“Get it down messy”: Nia Centre Spring break camp hel…

By Lidia Abraha
Posted on April 19, 2021

Creative Connect News and Reports

Learn More

Honouring Black porters at Union Station: Artist Jord…

By Lidia Abraha
Posted on April 1, 2021

Exhibition News and Reports

Learn More

Read Our Stories

The FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions:

If I donate, will I get a tax receipt?

As a charitable organization, all donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt.

If you make a donation through our Canada Helps page, you will automatically receive a tax receipt. If you chose to donate by cheque we will issue a receipt within 30 days, just be sure to include the address you would like the receipt addressed too.

How can I donate more than amounts suggested here?

If you’re interested in making a major gift, please contact us directly at info@niacentre.org.

How can I amplify the fundraising initiative?

Tell a friend, share on social media, do whatever you can to share throughout your networks. We have an ambitious goal, and we will need a movement in order to bring our vision to life.

We appreciate any effort to get the word out to as many folks as possible. Please follow us @niacentre on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest news on this project.